Video Games

Though the era of classic video games began with the popularity of the Atari’s Pong in 1972, followed by Nintendo’s NES in the mid 1980s, the initial iteration of video games appeared decades before in a laboratory, a trend that continued for decades. The earliest interactive video game on record was in 1947 with the Cathode ray tube Amusement Device, which simulated missiles fired at stationary targets. Other games slowly followed until Atari’s smash hit Pong, which was followed by Space Invaders in 1980.

Video games out now in the 21st century have grown to include consoles, handhelds, hybrids of the two (like the Nintendo Switch), PC games, browser-based games, and applications for cellular phones. Further development of games have seen the growth of gameplay modifications, multiplayer, and downloadable content, among others.

The culture surrounding video gaming has blossomed into numerous gaming conventions and eSports competitions across the globe. A sizable independent gaming studio scene has grown, too, with the advent of online marketplaces.